Definitely not Babiana

[Wylie]

I got some bulbs from the EU exchange under the name Babiana tanquana. The foliage looked off while it was growing, and now that it is starting to flower, it is definitely not a Babiana. Any ideas? 

[Martin Bohnet]

well, I know that doesn't help but you with the ID quest, but according to my list there were no bulbs offered of Babiana tanquana

, only seeds and only so recently (fall 23?) that  I'm surprised there is already a flower. Maybe a pot mix-up? 

That said, Flower-wise we're in Asparagaceae, maybe Lachenalia, but most of those have wider leaves...

[Wylie]

It was a recent acquisition, but I can't remember any other place they may have come from. It's going to be one of those mysteries.

[Uli]

Hello Wylie,

I don't grow Babiana tanquana but I may have this Lachenalia. Don't know off hand which one this is. I must check my collection during daylight. I have not donated many Lachenalia bulbs, though. Will keep you updated. 

[Arnold]

Have a look at Lachenalia liliflora.

[CG100]

Lachenalia - very like or is the one in full flower here at the moment - I'll look at the label later.

[Wylie]

Have a look at Lachenalia liliflora.

The foliage on L. liliflora is wider than what I have. Mine is a skinny round, sometimes flat-ish.

[Arnold]

I see that.  Still looks to be a Lachenalia

[CG100]

L. latimeriae (spelling?).

When it opens it should have a nice smell, but it doesn't carry, so you have to stick your nose into the flower(s).

[Wylie]

I went through the photos on the PBS site, and the one that comes closest to what I have is L. multifolia. Compact head with grass-like foliage.

[Arnold]

Wylie

Duncan states that L. multiflora is marzipan scented.

Any scent?

[Wylie]

Scent is a problem for me. I really don't detect most flower scents. I'll ask a friend to smell it.

[Wylie]

Wylie

Duncan states that L. multiflora is marzipan scented.

Any scent?

I had a friend smell it, and he said it does have a pleasant scent.

[CG100]

Latimerae - flowers droop and open downwards once they open at all.

Multiflora - the flowers remain upward-facing in bud and when open. Multiflora for a reason - huge numbers of flowers on each peduncle